The energy in the Grand Ballroom at the Grand Victoria Casino was unmistakable as the Elgin Area Chamber hosted its 2026 Annual Meeting. This signature event brought together our region’s most dedicated business leaders and changemakers for an evening centered on a singular theme: the power of collaboration.

Pictured: Front Row (Right to Left): Mike Warren, Brittain's Car Wash Inc.; Antje Simm, Faber-Castell Cosmetics; Rolando Guerrero, Grand Victoria Casino; Jennifer Seller, Wong Early, Tousey, Wlodeck, Wong & Early, LLP; and Carol Gieske, Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce. Back Row (Right to Left): Gabe Grzeskiewicz, Porte Brown LLC; Leslie Maloney, Chase Card Services; Ryan Livingston, Hampton, Lenzini & Renwick, Inc.; Steve Migala, Lavelle Law, Ltd.; Ross Thomas, Culver's of Elgin; Amanda Garcia, ColorWord Creative, Inc.; and George Santiago, Elgin State Bank.

As the business community gathered to reflect on the past year’s impact, the focus remained squarely on the people and organizations that drive the Elgin area forward. This wasn't just a meeting—it was a celebration of the collective spirit that fuels our local economy.

Pictured (Right to Left): Chrystal Maxwell-Grzeka, Boys & girls club of North Central Illinois; Velma Sept, Black Women's Association; Donna Besler, Prairie Community Bank.

Honoring Our 2026 Award Recipients

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the "Honoring Excellence" awards. These individuals and businesses represent the very best of our community, showcasing innovation, dedication, and a deep-seated commitment to making Elgin a better place to live and work.

We are proud to recognize our 2026 honorees:

• Leadership Award: Mayor David Kaptain, City of Elgin
• Citizens of the Year: Dan and Karen Fox
• Entrepreneur of the Year: Daria Shulishova, Desserts Without Regrets
• Volunteer Award: Denise Raleigh
• Small Business Award: Cross Kicks Fitness
• Large Business Award: Karas Restaurant Group
• Community Partner Award: Elgin Community College
• EDG Business Development Award: A.W. Faber-Castell Cosmetics
• School District U-46 Partnership Award: Enriching Partnerships for Early Learning (EPEL)

Pictured: Front Row (Right to Left):  Kim Wagner, Elgin Community College; Karen Fox; Denise Raleigh; Amber Peters, Enriching Partnerships for Early Learning. Back Row (Right to Left): Antje Simm, A.W. Faber-Castell Cosmetics; Daria Shulishova, Desserts Without Regrets LLC; Dan Fox, Elgin Area Leadership Academy, Mayor David Kaptain, City of Egin, Jazmine Constantino, Cross Kicks Fitness South Elgin, Jesse Colon, Cross Kicks Fitness South Elgin; Bob Karas, Karas Restaurant Group.

Reflecting on Impact

From the grassroots efforts of our individual volunteers to the regional influence of our largest employers, the impact of these award winners is felt across every corner of the Elgin area. Whether it’s providing educational pathways through Elgin Community College or the entrepreneurial spark seen at Desserts Without Regrets, these "changemakers" are the foundation of our success.

Pictured: (Right to Left):  Brian Lindholm, School District U-46; Amber Peters,  Andrea Vargas and Karen Ceballos Enriching Partnerships for Early Learning: 

The evening provided a moment to pause and appreciate how much we can achieve when we work together toward a shared vision of prosperity.

Looking Ahead with Optimism

While the night was a celebration of recent achievements, the atmosphere was charged with excitement for the future. As we look ahead, the Chamber remains committed to fostering an environment where businesses of all sizes can thrive, partnerships can grow, and every member of our community has the opportunity to succeed.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Grand Victoria Casino. Your engagement and passion ensure that the Elgin Area Chamber remains a vibrant, forward-moving force.

If you aren't a member of the Elgin Area Chamber yet, you ought to be! Join a community dedicated to your growth, visibility, and success.